In March 2012, the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) merged to become SAG-AFTRA, now the largest entertainment union in Hollywood. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, you are awarded a SAG card authenticating your membership in the prestigious union. Many actors are unable to work without a SAG card. Whether as a singer you need a SAG card depends upon the type of gig.

Sometimes You Don't

The SAG card is a credential used to identify professional actors who are members of the Screen Actor's Guild. In most cases, a singer does not need a SAG card. As of December 2012, there are only two widely recognized unions that represent singers, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA). AGMA only represents singers in the classical genre; AGVA represents a variety of performing artists, including touring, cabaret and nightclub singers.

Sometimes You Do

It's one thing to be a singer; it's another thing to be a singer in a movie, specifically a SAG movie. A SAG movie operates under a SAG collective bargaining agreement. Casting directors will inform you if a movie is SAG. If you are cast to sing in a SAG movie, you need a SAG card. In some cases, the casting director will cast you to sing in a SAG movie if you have “SAG-Eligible” status. That means the Screen Actor's Guild has given you a green light to join the union, pending payment of the required fees.

Becoming SAG Eligible

There are several ways to become SAG Eligible, including having five or more lines in a SAG movie or receiving three vouchers as a background actor in a SAG movie. You can also become SAG eligible by being an active AGMA member for at least one year. As an AGMA member, you are only eligible to join SAG if you are paid for at least one gig as a principal performer during that year. Once you are SAG eligible, the only thing left to do is pay the initiation fee to join the union. As of December 2012, the membership initiation fee is $3,198. Members pay annual dues to maintain active status.

Downside of Having a SAG Card

Once you receive a SAG card, you can no longer work on non-SAG television or film projects. If most of the projects shot in your state are non-SAG, having a card reduces your employment options. For this reason, it is important to do your research. Search casting call boards to find out if the majority of the projects in your state are SAG or non-SAG. If non-SAG, consider holding off on paying your SAG initiation fee. You always have the option to join if a casting director requires it. However, once you join your options instantly become limited.